Yahoo Sports Silky, coast-to-coast goal named USA TODAY HSSA Play of the Month for February
A spectacular, coast-to-coast hockey goal has been selected as the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards Play of the Month for February.
The play came during a Minnesota Class A girls hockey quarterfinal game between eventual state champion Warroad High School and Albert Lea on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
This one starts with a defensive play by Warroad senior Rylee Bartz and ends with any goalie’s worst nightmare — Bartz bearing down with the puck and nothing but open ice in front of her.
Bartz dangles between a pair of Albert Lea defenders for the breakaway chance, then dekes the goalie with a series of stick moves to open up the pads and score five-hole.
Check out the full highlight here:
A picture-perfect goal makes it a hattrick for Rylee Bartz in the first period! @BartzRylee @Lady_Warriors00 @JoeKnowsMo @MSHSLjohn @FollowThePuck
Sign in to watch: https://t.co/77wGZcfWee pic.twitter.com/3LDH6WOPvz— NSPN - Minnesota (@NSPNminnesota) February 23, 2023
It was a silky-smooth play by Bartz, who piled up 10 points in Warroad’s three playoff games and finished the season with 59 goals and 48 assists.
This play is now a nominee for 2022-23 national Play of the Year!
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The USA TODAY High School Sports Awards is the largest high school sports recognition program in the country, honoring athletes from all 50 states. Top student-athletes in over 30 sports will be announced in teams of 25 nominees throughout this 2022-23 academic year, culminating with national player of the year announcements in each sport during this summer's big event.
More: Game-winning goal with World Cup flair named November Play of the Month
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Play of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rising Star, Courage Award and Special Olympics Athlete of the Year will be among this year's many national premiere award categories. Visit the event website for updates leading up to this summer's on-demand event!
Before you go ...
Send us your own national Play of the Month highlights for March
High School Play of the Month suggestions can be submitted to both roleary@usatventures.com and bfontana@usatventures.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY High School Sports Awards February Play of the Month
